Grants

Investing in nonprofits that are advancing a new, transformative system of justice with the core values of racial equity, economic well-being, and fundamental fairness for all.

Grants Overview


Public Welfare Foundation awards grants to nonprofits that honor the Foundation’s core values of racial equity, economic well-being, and fundamental fairness for all. The Foundation looks for strategic points where its funds can make a significant difference and improve lives through policy and system reform that results in transformative change.

The Foundation funds organizations that currently hold a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service working in the United States. Organizations that do not have this status can apply with a fiscal sponsor. The Foundation does not fund individuals, scholarships, direct services, or international projects.

Grant Types: How We Fund the Work

General Support Grants

General support grants are for day-to-day operating costs or to further the work of your organization. These grants are not earmarked for a particular program or project.

Program or Project Support Grants

Program or project support grants support a specific program or activity of the organization. These are restricted grants and must be used for that program or project.

Special Opportunities Grants

The Special Opportunities Program supports projects reflecting the Foundation’s mission and underlying values. These are one-time only grants that are especially timely and compelling. At times, this kind of grant serves as a laboratory for new ideas.

Grants Awarded

Public Welfare Foundation awards grants throughout the year. Please see our database below to see what we have funded. Filter grants by fiscal year and program area.

  • Montgomery, AL // 2015

    Southern Poverty Law Center

    Support for the Florida Campaign to stop trying children as adults.
    Awarded
    $100,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Austin, TX // 2015

    Texans Care for Children

    Support for advocacy to reduce youth incarceration and raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction in Texas.
    Awarded
    $50,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Chestnut Hill, MA // 2015

    Trustees of Boston College

    Support for research and a report with policy recommendations for reducing incarceration of girls in the juvenile justice system.
    Awarded
    $23,014
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Harrisburg, PA // 2015

    Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.

    Support for the Policy and Advocacy Center which works to promote more effective, community-based alternatives to youth incarceration.
    Awarded
    $200,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • San Francisco, CA // 2015

    Youth Law Center

    Support to reduce unnecessary incarceration and transfer to adult court of youth in California.
    Awarded
    $75,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    Youth Justice
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Alliance for Justice

    General Support.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Washington, DC // 2015

    Foundation for Criminal Justice

    Support for the Clemency Project.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • New York, NY // 2015

    New York Law School

    Support for the Right to Counsel for Low-Income Tenants Facing Eviction program.
    Awarded
    $10,000
    Term
    12 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Seattle, WA // 2015

    Washington State Bar Foundation

    Support for the Access to Justice Board.
    Awarded
    $25,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    President's Discretionary Fund
  • Chicago, IL // 2015

    American Bar Association Fund for Justice and Education

    Support to continue and complete the work of the expansion for the state-based Access to Justice Commissions.
    Awarded
    $150,000
    Term
    24 months
    Program
    Special Initiative: Civil Legal Aid